30 investigative journalists from South East Europe, Belgium, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Hungary and the United States participated in the BIRN Summer School of Investigative Reporting, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. The event took place from 18th to 24th of August on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro – in Herceg Novi. “Journalists must ask critical questions – that is their function in a democracy. They are observers, reporters and guardians of the social fabric.” With those words Hendrik Sittig, Head of the Media Programme South East Europe of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, opened this year’s Summer School and wished all the journalists a productive training. Marija Ristić, BIRN Regional Director, presented the programme and welcomed Blake Morrison, the lead trainer from Reuters, who is guiding the school for the fourth time. He motivated the participants: “Stay curious, think about dialogs and emotions in your job, not about quotations.”

During the five days of training Morrison taught the journalists about the basics of investigative work: drawing timelines, separating facts from suspicions, determining a standard of proof. “Challenge yourself to search for new stories and to experiment with new ways of writing”, said the trainer from Reuters and gave advices about how the journalists could create a greater impact with their work by choosing the proper format –online, print or video – for their story. Insights in the practice of visualisation were introduced by Andrew Baker, video journalist from New York. He showed different techniques of how investigative documentaries can be designed in a better way. “Use the power of usual storytelling, find a balance between powerful pictures and essential statements. Do not let them overlap.” A clear vision of the final result could help a lot during filming. A good introduction talk with the protagonists can be also helpful and warms up the atmosphere on set.

More in the event report.